National Pest Management Association Urges Industry and Consumers To Be on High Alert Amid Growing Zika Virus Concern

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NPMA asks pest control companies and consumers to help control biting
mosquito populations

FAIRFAX, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–With the news of more than a dozen cases of locally transmitted Zika
virus in Florida by infected mosquitoes within the U.S., the National
Pest Management Association (NPMA) is urging proper mosquito control
practices to help lessen the outbreak. The NPMA, a non-profit
organization committed to the protection of public health, food and
property from the diseases and dangers of pests, is leading industry
efforts to educate professional pest control companies, as well as the
American public, on the importance of proper mosquito control.

“This issue is so critical and we all need to be involved and doing our
part to help stop the spread of additional outbreaks here in the U.S.,”
said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “We’re
working around the clock to educate members in our industry and the
residents in the communities they serve about the growing threat of Zika
virus. Now, in the midst of mosquito season, it’s an all hands on deck
strategy.”

In an effort to provide pest control companies with the most
comprehensive resources, the NPMA is distributing mosquito control and
Zika information through a variety of vehicles. They’ve designed a
30-minute online training course and a four-part webinar series that
provides an overview of Zika virus, how to inform customers on
protection measures, information on the biology and behavior of the
mosquitoes that transmit Zika, and best strategies to manage mosquitoes
and eliminate breeding locations. The group also regularly communicates
updates from CDC representatives to ensure the industry has the most
up-to-date information when out in the field.

The NPMA is also advising the public to remain vigilant when spending
any amount of time outdoors and is requesting their help in eliminating
sources of standing water on their properties, which can serve as
breeding grounds for mosquitoes. “People need to be inspecting their
properties on a regular basis for standing water that may be conducive
to mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes need only a half an inch of water to
lay their eggs, so even items the size of a bottle cap can breed
offspring,” said Mannes. “If they have a problem and need professional
help, make sure the company is trained and licensed and has experience
in mosquito control.”

The group recently released a national broadcast PSA
campaign and regularly posts advice and articles to its website and
social media pages to reach consumer audiences. The NPMA also worked in
conjunction with the CDC to produce a video on how
to apply insect repellant — advising viewers on choosing both an
effective formulation and applying it appropriately to keep biting
mosquitoes away.

“Prevention around the clock is of the utmost importance,” added Mannes.
“The mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite throughout the day, so
proper attire and wearing an effective repellent is key. Pregnant women
should be especially vigilant and heed travel advisories, wear
long-sleeved shirts and pants and use insect repellent when traveling
outdoors.”

For more information about mosquitoes and Zika virus, please visit PestWorld.org.
Pest control companies seeking more information on the resources and
training available to them should contact the NPMA directly at (800)
678-6722.

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members, was
established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment
to the protection of public health, food and property. For more
information, visit PestWorld.org.